GEORGE MCLEOD BA

George McLeod has over 15 years of global investigative and intelligence experience, with a focus on Canada and emerging markets. He has led high-stakes engagements in the natural resources sector, advising clients in mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure across North America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. His expertise spans fraud, corruption, sanctions exposure, and geopolitical risk.

As Southeast Asia Corporate Investigations Lead for PwC, George oversaw investigations into fraud, vendor collusion, and politically exposed persons. He managed the firm’s Myanmar investigative practice, leading high-profile sanctions-related cases under the US Treasury Department. During his tenure, he directed more than 1,000 assignments involving financial misconduct and political risk.

George later served as Managing Partner at Access Asia, specializing in risk and intelligence for international mining and energy firms. George has deep expertise in critical minerals and has advised on geopolitical threats, state-linked exposure, and operational risks tied to strategic resource competition. His casework includes due diligence and political risk investigations across Afghanistan, the UAE, Qatar, Peru, and Canada — including northern regions — with recent mandates in Quebec and Saskatchewan focused on copper, base metals, and uranium projects.

A key part of George’s advisory work involves assessing the risks of foreign investment, particularly where state-owned or influenced actors are involved. He helps clients uncover hidden risks related to sanctions, foreign interference, and opaque investment structures designed to evade scrutiny.

He has held leadership and diplomatic-facing roles, including representing the US-ASEAN Business Council, a director with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, and a board member of the Foreign Correspondents Club. George is a registered prospector within Canada and regularly consults at the intersection of political instability, resource development, and foreign influence.

His insights have appeared in CNN, BBC, the National Post, New York Times, Globe and Mail, and Voice of America. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner, holds a Canadian Securities Certificate, and is a member of the Association for Mineral Exploration. He has presented at top industry events, including Roundup Vancouver.

At Critical Risk Team, George supports clients navigating complex political, financial, and operational landscapes, delivering intelligence and strategic guidance that protects assets, reputations, and investments.